2007 Kwanzaa

A Misconception of Disease

By Dr. Abayomi Meeks

One of the most disturbing issues I have encountered repeatedly in my practice as a healer, who is also a doctor of acupuncture, oriental medicine and complementary medicine is the misconception of disease. The idea that disease exists when the manifestation of symptoms appears.

The first point I would like to make about this issue is that the word “disease” dissected is “dis-ease” this compartmentalization of the word reveals the most basic symptom of any disease; is dis-ease or discomfort. This is the earliest sign in most cases that there is something wrong with your mind, body or spirit, the feeling of discomfort or imbalance (as it is referred to in traditional Chinese medicine), is your body’s way of alerting you to pay attention to your internal environment, while evaluating how the external environment is affecting you.

Most Americans of all races creed and colors are conditioned not to go to the doctor unless something appears wrong. Usually folks have different levels of pain tolerance and thus, do not see any doctor unless there is some moderate to severe discomfort. Men particularly usually wait until the last minute to seek care. This is a huge mistake if you intend to be healthy or even want to just survive. In the case of most chronic diseases, by the time it is detected by western medical diagnosis or by evaluation of symptoms the disease pattern has already become firmly established within your body. Therefore we are treating an imbalance which has a host of complex patterns or symptoms which must be treated in order to establish a cure at best; and least minimized. From the Eastern and Holistic medicine standpoint all disease is treated easier if it is detected early. Early detection is the key strategy to counter the development of most diseases.

The fact that African and Latino men do not trust doctors or the mainstream medical establishment is understandable due to the prevalence of disparities in health care. However, this resistance to health care is a major contributor to the rising mortality and morbidity rates of cardiovascular disease, cancers, cardiopulmonary disease, to name a few, that ravage our communities. People of color must stop this destructive behavior by striving for a life filled with hope, not apathy, pro-action not reaction, discipline not disqualification. In medical school we study the etiology of disease, we study how disease develops. We consider its beginning maturity and hopefully its end. A true healer wants to help the patient to heal themselves, while participating in a supportive role. I believe that no doctor of any system can heal a patient. Only the spirit, desire, will and commitment of that individual patient, combined with a sound treatment plan, and scientific techniques of a trained medical practitioner/ healer can achieve a cure. Consider this idea, that “most diseases develop and become advanced based on our lifestyle, thoughts, behaviors etc., therefore how can any medicine that you take 2-3 times daily cure you of a disease which developed over years due to your lifestyle habits (ie. Work, diet, exercise, emotional habits etc.). The medicine or drug would have to be so powerful as to override (force) your natural bodily processes to sustain your life. Thus, most likely causing damage to other organ systems within your body. This type of damage is referred to medically as side-effects or adverse reactions. Most times these side-effects are just as debilitating as the disease itself. In order to minimize your exposure or dependency on medicines or drugs that are this powerful you must be healthy or at least be sensitive enough to determine early, where you are experiencing abnormal health, and be proactive enough to take decisive well informed action immediately; hopefully allaying a health catastrophe. Your best bet is health practioners trained in a preventative medicine which can detect, diagnose and treat disease before it becomes major. Keeping in mind that natural medicines need more time to be effective than pharmaceuticals, which work more quickly but have the risks of greater side-effects and adverse reactions. Natural medicines also have a powerful affect on the human organism therefore they must be respected as well, because they too can do harm when used improperly. Always seek the care of licensed professional healthcare providers, never self treat.

So remember that you are the primary care physician you are the one who must first maintain healthy habits of eating, rest and exercise, as well as prayer, meditation , quiet time, and nutritional supplementation. In conclusion, most cases of disease develops small (acute) and becomes larger (chronic) over time. Neutralize it sooner and it will not become severe. Practice being healthy everyday. Utilize Dr. Meeks disease prevention fundamentals:

1) Dis-ease should be detected and treated as early as possible (get annual physical exams).
2) Eat, drink, sleep, exercise, work, and play with moderation.
3) Everything in life should be balanced
4) Express your emotions openly and honestly without hurting yourself or other it’s hard, do
your best!)
5) Seek professional help for maladies of the mind or body
6) Peace and quiet are essential for spiritual growth and development
7) Periodic fasting is necessary to refresh the body, mind and spirit
8) Be consistent and disciplined
9) Be happy and healthy


Peace and Blessings

Holistic Health for the Lungs and Large Intestines

The fall is the season corresponding to the large intestine complex. It is a great time to strengthen these organs as it is also a time when many “dis-ease” symptoms of these organs may be present. The lungs are considered the “tender organ” by Traditional Chinese Medicine because they are easily affected by external or environmental influences. The lungs govern respiration and water movement (especially in the upper portion of the body). In Eastern medicine the lungs also rule the exterior of the body, referring to the skin, sweat glands, body hair and major portion of the immune system. The lungs open into the nose and throat. When an imbalance or obstruction interferes with the lungs, impairing either the descending (inhalation) or disseminating (water circulation) function, symptoms such as cough, dyspnea (shortness of breath), asthma and chest distention, as well as problems with urination, edema and perspiration may develop. If any of these symptoms become chronic this may indicate a reduction in immune response. Foods that may help strengthen the lung, if eaten in moderation, are apples, asparagus, pepper, carrot, garlic, ginger, honey, grapes, peppermint and rosemary. The large intestine main function is the excretion of waste matter after final water absorption occurs. The large intestine has a mucosal lining and is nerve rich. Which is one reason why when there is inflammation, or obstruction in this organ it can cause major health problems in other parts of the body that are seemingly unrelated. Therefore, it is important to have a healthy diet consisting of foods which have a minimal transit time (the time it takes for foods stuffs consumed to exit the body via bowel movement). This will help prevent constipation, diarrhea or intestinal dysbiosis.

Plenty of clean water and foods high in soluble and insoluble fiber are imperative for a healthy, cancer free, colon. More than 135,000 colon cancer cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, and the number is growing. While the most recent studies claim there may be no link between a high-fiber diet and lowered incidence of colorectal cancer, we do know that many high-fiber foods contain cancer fighting nutrients. There are two main types of fiber. Soluble (gums, mucilage and pectin) which dissolves and blends with water to form a gel in the gastrointestinal tract. Most of the fiber in plant cell walls is soluble and promotes regular bowel movements and aids in weight loss by slowing down the passage of food, thus giving a full feeling. Soluble fiber is useful in managing diabetes, hypo- and hyperglycemia because it retards the absorption of glucose, allowing the body to release it gradually in to the bloodstream. Foods low in glycemic(sugar)value are whole grains, beans, seeds, soybeans, mushrooms, green leafy vegetables, cucumbers, zucchini, cabbage and string beans. Soluble fiber also helps lower elevated serum cholesterol and removes fat from the gastrointestinal tract. So eat more apples, barley, beans, oat bran and lentils. Insoluble fiber which relates to plant cell walls which do not dissolve in water commonly called “roughage”. These components are cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Consuming too much insoluble fiber may decrease the absorption of certain minerals, such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. Insoluble fiber does not breakdown during digestion, yet it can bind in water like a sponge. This absorption of water causes bowel movement to be softer and have greater bulk. This puts more pressure on the intestinal walls thus increasing peristalsis and speeds up transit time and evacuation of wastes. Finally insoluble fiber appeases the appetite, reduces bacterial toxins and absorbs toxins. Food sources include whole grains, brown rice, nuts, vegetables and fruits. Furthermore prolonged sadness, grief or depression will add to the dysfunction of the lung and colon. Eat and be merry with love!

Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival was a great success! Everyone had a wonderful time. We had 2 students debut on our demo team. Congratulations to Khalil and Cassie!! No Pictures at this time check back in a week or so. If you are ever interested in where we are going to perform next please feel free to also contact us at the Cultural Arts Center at (303)377-2511. Come back and check out what were're up to next!!

Moyo Summer Activities

We have been busy this summer and are still at it! If you live or play in the Denver metro area you may have seen us at The Jing Feng Festival, The Brown Suga Festival, or The Malcolm X Block Party just to name a few. If you are looking for some fun this weekend July 28, 2007 don't miss the Dragon Boat Festival and yes we will be performing at 2 PM. You will be sure to have a great time!!! The festival will be held at Sloan's Lake Park on 26th and Stuart St. Denver, CO. 80202 if you need directions you may refer to
http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=24465762.


Here are a few pics from this summer's events:

Moyo Health Spring Special

Buy 4 get the 5th one FREE!!!

As spring quickly approaches don't delay when it comes to your health. Moyo is currently offering a spring special. When you purchase 4 acupuncture treatments we will give you the fifth one free. CALL NOW !! 303.377.2511

NOW ON SALE!!!

This project is an introduction to a comtemporary expression of traditional Afrikan martial arts principles and concepts, and addresses its fundamental purpose as the foundation for youth empowerment programs. For over 13 years Moyo Nguvu has taught thousands of youth and has implemented one of the most sucessful " rites of passage" programs in the United States.
2 for 1 Special
Our DVD is now on sale for a limited time. Act now and recieve the DVD and soundtrack for $20.00. Call for Details. 303.377.2511